Hearts 1-0 Hamilton

Nov 13 2008 By Craig Swan

HEARTS' Christian Nade was once mistaken by boss Csaba Laszlo for a fat student who had gone to Riccarton to see Hearts train.

But last night the fat student sang and it was all over for Hamilton Accies.

Revived Nade's impressive appetite for the action saw him devour his first goal of the season to give Hearts their second successive win. The Frenchman's weight troubles and lack of hunger for the cause led Laszlo to make his identity error when he first took the Tynecastle hotseat.

But the Hungarian gaffer's work with Nade and faith in his ability finally paid dividends as the striker capped a fine display with an early goal to settle an intriguing contest.

Accies left Edinburgh still rooted to the foot of the SPL and their players and staff were convinced Nade was offside as he surged away to score. Billy Reid, however, having viewed replays of the goal, later conceded that Nade was just onside.

Laszlo's team didn't hit the heights but stout defending allowed them to build on last weekend's success at St Mirren and cement their position in fourth spot on the heels of Dundee United.

Strangely, despite the unimpressive nature of the win, Hearts were booed by their own supporters at full-time but Laszlo didn't care with the points won.

The match was preceded by a touching moment with a minute's applause for former Hearts No.1 Jimmy Brown who died this week.

Within the opening seconds it was current keeper Janos Balogh who was centre of attention. He was stranded as Accies centre-back Mark McLaughlin sent a bicycle kick just wide after James McCarthy headed an Alex Neil corner back into danger.

It was an encouraging opening for Reid but initial optimism evaporated in the sixth minute when Hearts took the lead.

Accies glare was fixed firmly on main stand assistant Francis Andrews after his failure to call Nade offside as he sprinted onto a head flick from Bruno Aguiar.

The French striker still had centre-back Martin Canning for company and, in truth, the defender looked to have the situation under control.

But Nade displayed admirable tenacity as keeper Tomas Cerny advanced to snake a leg around Canning and poke a finish into the net. It was a sweet, duck-breaking moment for the much-maligned attacker and gave Laszlo's lads an instant injection of confidence.

For the ensuing spell the home side were in charge and looking to add to their tally. Andy Driver just couldn't control in the box and Aguiar dragged a shot wide. The former also sent a long-range effort into the arms of Cerny. Nade, however, was proving the main threat.

Often a disconsolate figure the striker was involved in everything.

Lee Wallace's long free-kick into the penalty area found the hitman with his back to goal. His chest control was excellent and his spin and volley went narrowly wide.

He then charged forward and cracked in a drive Cerny blocked.

As Accies failed to properly clear Nade was back hammering another shot into the midriff of a grateful Cerny.

Hamilton were struggling to cope with his power but, ironically, they almost snatched a leveller at the very moment Nade was off the pitch receiving treatment.

McCarthy burrowed his way into the area allowing David Graham time to measure a cross.

Instead the attacker cleverly attempted to beat Balogh at his near post.

Balogh was alert and made the save - and centre-back Marius Zaliukas was on hand to hack the loose ball from the toe of McCarthy.

It was a clear warning for Laszlo's side that, with just a one-goal advantage, Accies' vibrant young team were bang in the contest.

As the first period drew to a close Reid's men stayed on the offensive and their own passing and confidence increased as they gathered a head of steam.

From a period of domination Hearts were suddenly under pressure with Balogh having to make crucial clearing punches.

But Hearts could have doubled their lead in the final attack of the opening period when Wallace crossed from the left.

Aguiar looked certain to score with a header until Obua took the ball from the Portuguese's brow with an overhead kick which was too high.

Aguiar's contribution playing off Nade was immense.

The playmaker's flicks, touches and vision was a delight and, within seconds of the restart, he had engineered another opportunity for his team-mate with a slide-rule centre. Nade didn't accept this invite, however, and missed from close range.

Accies had clearly taken a lift from their end to the first period and posed danger of their own.

Sub Richard Offiong forced Balogh to make a diving save after the striker's header from a precise Simon Mensing cross.

As the clocked ticked on to the hour mark it was clear Hearts' players were starting to feel some nerves.

Laszlo beefed things up by bringing Robbie Neilson on and Nade's hamstring gave out to hand JamieMole an opportunity.

With 20 minutes remaining, Graham's inviting cross found James McAr thur surging into the box.

The Scotland kid's header, though, with Balogh to beat having escaped his marker was too high and a priceless chance had gone.

MAN OF THE MATCH Bruno Aguiar (Hearts)

Taken from the Daily Record